The 10 Best Bars on the Bund, Shanghai

The rooftop bar of the Hyatt on the Bund offers views of the Huangpu River
The rooftop bar of the Hyatt on the Bund offers views of the Huangpu River | © valley_studio / Shutterstock
Jenna Farmer

For an evening to remember, head to these bars on the Bund for great views, bespoke cocktails and a little taste of the area’s international history.

1. Vue Bar, Shanghai

Bar, Steakhouse

Located on the 32nd and 33rd floors of the swanky Hyatt on the Bund, Vue Bar is one of Shanghai’s hottest nightlife destinations. With sweeping views of the Huangpu River and even its own hot tub on the terrace, it’s the perfect place to spend an evening in the city.

2. House of Blues and Jazz

Bar, Fusion

This two-storey, vintage jazz bar is the go-to destination for live music on the Bund, with the house band playing a mix of jazz, soul and funk, usually from 9.30pm. Arrive early if you want a seat, or choose to eat at the accompanying brasserie beforehand – it serves a mixture of European dishes into the early hours of the morning.

3. Bar Rouge, Shanghai

Bar, French

With its riverside location, crowds of beautiful people and sleek, upmarket decor, Bar Rouge is a destination for premium partying in Shanghai. The views from the rooftop terrace are mesmerising, but be prepared to pay for them. Cover charges are usually 100RMB (£11) for weekend evenings, and that’s before you’ve splurged on something delicious off the pricey cocktail list.

5. Long Bar

Bar, Cocktails

This bar dates back to 1911 when it was the social centre of the exclusive men-only Shanghai Club. The baroque building now houses the Shanghai Waldorf Astoria, which has refurbished the Long Bar to its turn-of-the-century glory. Check out the Waldorf Classics menu for some pre-Prohibition-style cocktails to really feel the spirit of this historic bar.

6. THE CAPTAIN

Bar, Pub Grub, Snacks

The Captain is a rooftop bar atop a budget hostel of the same name. Reservations are recommended if you want to enjoy a drink while looking out on its award-winning view – the bar won editor’s pick in Shanghai’s 2017 WOW awards. Modelling itself as a speakeasy, The Captain offers a wonderful evening of drinks and atmosphere without breaking the bank.

7. M1NT

Nightclub, Cocktails

If you’re looking to dance into the early hours, M1NT is the place to be. It combines a multi-award-winning grill restaurant, swanky lounge bar and top-floor nightclub. With tanks of real sharks, 360-degree views of the city and upbeat musical stylings, M1NT is a truly memorable destination – though be sure to dress your best, as it enforces a strict dress code.

8. Flair, Shanghai

Bar, Restaurant, Fusion, Tapas, Sushi, Asian

Flair
©Andrea Perry/Facebook

For a romantic night of luxury, head to the Ritz’s rooftop Flair Bar. Sip premium cocktails while gazing at the best view of Shanghai’s iconic landmark, the Oriental Pearl Tower. The highest view on the Bund also features some of the highest prices, but the view is worth the expense – especially if you have someone to impress.

9. Bund Bowl

Bowling Alley

This drinking spot is a sharp contrast to many of the other bars on the Bund. This quirky bowling alley blasts out dance music and flashing lights as you take to the lanes, and it offers BOGOF (buy one, get one free) deals on draft beer from 10pm until closing. If bowling isn’t your thing, don’t worry: as well as its on-site bar and restaurant, Bund Bowl also offers karaoke, foosball and darts.

10. Roosevelt Sky Bar

Bar, Cocktails

Roosevelt Sky Bar won eight awards at 2018’s China’s Wine List of the Year Awards
© valley_studio / Shutterstock

This rooftop bar is located on the ninth floor of Bund 27 and offers epic views of the Huangpu River. Along with its DJ sets, the venue is also known for extensive, multi-award-winning wine lists – it brought home eight awards in 2018’s China’s Wine List of the Year Awards. If you go, be sure to keep your eyes open for a star sighting – the building also houses the prestigious members-only Roosevelt Club that is frequented by local celebrities and diplomats.

This article is an updated version of a story created by Rachel Deason.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Culture Trip Spring Sale

Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

X
Edit article